This event is part of the Red Cliffs Audubon Spring Blitz series. More information can be found at https://www.redcliffsaudubon.org/bird-walks-n-field-trips/2026/4/24/2026-spring-blitz.
"NEW TOUR: Utah Hill, along Old Highway 91 just before the descent into Beaver Dam Wash, marks a dramatic ecological and geologic transition zone in the far southwestern corner of Utah. Here the uplifted red and buff sandstone ridges—part of the eroded margins of the Colorado Plateau—give way to the lower, hotter Mojave Desert basin below. This elevation shift creates a productive meeting ground of habitats: pinyon-juniper and desert shrub host species like Black-throated and Black-chinned Sparrows, Crissal Thrashers, and Scott’s Oriole while the the surprise bird in the upper canyons would be the Chukar.
Driving approximately 30 miles round trip. Last 3-4 miles is gravel mountain road with some wash boarding. Possible with sedan but higher clearance recommended.
Participants should plan on walking up to 2 miles, mostly on gravel mountain road, some strenuous. Also some off-trail walking through desert scrub. No shade.
No restrooms.
Trip leader is Paul Hicks.
Meet up location is Fire Lake Parking Lot
(1508 Crescent Moon Trl, Ivins, UT 84738, 37° 10' 40.5998" N 113° 42' 57.4999" W).
